Most banks close on Memorial Day, but some branches and ATMs stay open
Yes, most banks in the United States close on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). This includes all major national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — as well as most regional and community banks. The Federal Reserve observes Memorial Day as a federal holiday, which means banks do not process transactions that day.
However, "closed" does not mean you have zero access to your money. ATMs run 24/7 at most banks, so you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. Some banks also keep a limited number of branches open on holidays, particularly in larger cities or near shopping centers. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm whether it will be open.
If you need to deposit a check or speak to a banker, you will have to wait until the next business day (Tuesday). Any deposits made at an ATM on Memorial Day will post the following day.
Key Takeaways
- All major banks close their branches on Memorial Day, but ATMs remain available around the clock.
- Checks deposited at an ATM on Memorial Day will not post until Tuesday.
- Wire transfers and ACH payments initiated on Memorial Day will process the next business day.
- A small number of bank branches in major cities may stay open; call ahead to confirm your location.
- Credit unions follow the same holiday schedule as banks, though some may have different hours.
What you can and cannot do on Memorial Day
ATM transactions work normally: cash withdrawals, balance checks, transfers between your own accounts, and bill payments through your bank's bill pay system (if set up in advance). You can also use your debit card to make purchases anywhere that accepts cards.
What does not work: depositing checks in person, opening a new account, applying for a loan, speaking to a banker about account issues, or making changes to account settings that require human verification. Wire transfers and ACH payments (like sending money to another person's bank account) can be initiated through online banking, but they will not process until Tuesday.
If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the same rules apply — most close on federal holidays. However, some credit unions have different holiday schedules, so check your institution's website or call the branch.
Planning ahead to avoid delays
If you need to deposit a check before Memorial Day, do it by Monday morning. Checks deposited Monday will post by Tuesday. If you wait until Memorial Day itself, the deposit will not post until Wednesday.
For wire transfers or payments to other people, initiate them by end of business Monday. Anything started on Memorial Day will process Tuesday at the earliest, which can matter if you are paying a bill with a Tuesday deadline.
If you need cash over the weekend before Memorial Day, withdraw it Monday or earlier. ATMs will have cash on Memorial Day, but if you wait until the holiday itself, you are cutting it close if the ATM runs out or malfunctions.
Online and mobile banking still work
Your bank's website and mobile app do not close on Memorial Day. You can check your balance, review transactions, set up bill payments, transfer money between your own accounts, and initiate wire transfers or ACH payments at any time. The transactions themselves will not process until Tuesday, but you can schedule them in advance.
This is the fastest way to handle time-sensitive payments: log in Monday evening, schedule the payment for Tuesday, and it will go through automatically when the bank reopens.
What happens to direct deposits and automatic payments
Direct deposits scheduled for Memorial Day will post on Tuesday instead. If your paycheck normally hits on a Monday and Memorial Day falls on that Monday, your employer's payroll system will deposit it Tuesday morning.
Automatic bill payments (like your mortgage, utilities, or credit card minimum) scheduled for Memorial Day will also process Tuesday. If you are worried about a payment being late, log into your bank's website and check the scheduled payment date — most systems automatically move holiday payments to the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from an ATM on Memorial Day?
Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. The only limit is your daily withdrawal limit, which your bank sets.
Will my paycheck deposit on time if Memorial Day is on payday?
No. If your employer normally deposits on Monday and Memorial Day falls on that Monday, your paycheck will deposit Tuesday morning instead. Some employers deposit the Friday before to avoid the delay — check with your HR department.
What if I need to deposit a check urgently?
Use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if you have it set up. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and it will post by Tuesday. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you will have to wait until Tuesday to deposit in person or at an ATM.
Do credit unions close on Memorial Day?
Most do, but not all. Check your credit union's website or call the branch. Some credit unions have different holiday schedules than banks, and a few stay open on federal holidays.
Will my automatic bill payment go through on Memorial Day?
No. Automatic payments scheduled for Memorial Day will process Tuesday instead. Log into your bank's website to confirm the new date, or contact the company you are paying to let them know about the one-day delay.